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Five Reasons To Visit OC This Summer

sailboat BEACH header 610
(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

The weather in Orange County makes it a popular tourist destination for people who live outside of the area. However, the weather is not the only reason to visit Orange County. The county boasts some pretty awesome destinations, especially in the summertime. From the beach to amusement parks, here are five great reasons to visit Orange County this summer.

Alberto Callaspo
AP Photo/LM Otero

Anaheim Angels Baseball
2000 E. Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 940-2000
www.losangeles.angels.mlb.com

The Angels have had a couple disappointing seasons recently, but this will definitely be a team worth watching this year. This team boasts one of the best pitchers in baseball with Jered Weaver, and quite possibly the most exciting young player in the game with Mike Trout. In his first two seasons in the league, Trout finished second only to Miguel Cabrera in the MVP voting, a two-time AL MVP and AL home run champion. This team also features All-Stars Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, who are looking to rebound from subpar seasons. Regardless of how many games the team wins, a trip to the ballpark is always a good time.

Related: Best Bars To Watch Dodgers Or Angels

OC Fair Rides DL
(credit: OC Fair)

Orange County Fair
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.ocfair.com
Dates: July 11 through Aug. 10, 2014

There are several reasons to visit the Orange County Fair this summer. First and foremost is the fair atmosphere with its many rides and, of course, its delicious food. The OC Fair has become known as a place where you can get such delectable food items as deep-fried Oreos and a chicken sandwich made with Krispy Kreme donuts. In addition, the fair is also a place to check out live music. The amphitheater is as magnificent as any in the county to see your favorite band and the Hangar is another great spot to take in live music.

knott's berry farm silver bullet
(credit: Knott's Berry Farm)

Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com

It's not easy competing against that other giant theme park in Orange County (Disneyland), but Knott's Berry Farm always seems to hold its own. It has an amazing array of roller coasters - including some that go backwards - that you can look forward to at this amusement park. You'll also find that Camp Snoopy is a good place to take the little ones who aren't that great at waiting for rides. Knott's Berry Farm is also much more reasonably priced than other amusement parks, so it makes it easier to bring the whole family without spending a lot.

laguna beach
(credit: Erick T. Rodelius)

The Beach
www.orangecounty.net

This is an obvious one, but let's face it: lots of people visit Orange County for its plentiful beaches. It's understandable since it's a low-cost way to enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors. The beaches run the gamut in both location and type. From Seal Beach to San Clemente, you can find a beach you like within just a short 15- to 30-minute commute. From beaches for surfing to beaches where you can take the little ones and state beaches to secluded beaches, it's hard to find a better way to spend the day in the OC.

Oktoberfest 2011 - Opening Day
(credit: Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

OC Beer Festival
1340 S. Sanderson Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 563-4166
www.orangecountybeerfest.com
Date: June 7, 2014

The OC Beer Festival is yet another great event at The Phoenix Club located in the city of Anaheim. An impressive list of breweries, many of them located in southern California, will be on hand to sample their wares. Admission to this festival is just $40 and will take place on June 7, 2014 from 2pm to 6pm. You can do more than just enjoy a great beer at this event as well. Proceeds from the event will go towards Noah's B-ark, an organization that finds permanent homes for rescued pets.

Related: Best Craft Beers In Orange County

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Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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